Cities and Towns in Wayne County, Illinois

Founded in 1819, Wayne County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Wayne County was formed from Edwards County. The city of Fairfield is the county seat. With FIPS code of 191, Wayne County has a population of 15,963 and area of 713 square miles (1,847 km²).

List of all cities in Wayne County, IL alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Aden, IL	62895	618/730
Arrington, IL	62886	618/730
Barnhill, IL	62809	618/730
Big Mound, IL	62837	618/730
Boyleston, IL	62837	618/730
Cisne, IL	62823	618/730
Crestview Terrace, IL	62837	618/730
Crisp, IL	62895	618/730
Crouch, IL	62895	618/730
Cumberland Heights, IL	62837	618/730
Elm River, IL	62842	618/730
Enterprise, IL	62823	618/730
Fairfield, IL	62809	618/730
	62837	618/730
Four Mile, IL	62895	618/730
Geff, IL	62842	618/730
Golden Gate, IL	62843	618/730
Grover, IL	62837	618/730
Jasper, IL	62837	618/730
Jeffersonville, IL	62842	618/730
Johnsonville, IL	62850	618/730
Keenes, IL	62851	618/730
Keith, IL	62878	618/730
Lamard, IL	62842	618/730
Merriam, IL	62837	618/730
Mount Erie, IL	62446	618/730
Orchardville, IL	62850	618/730
Orel, IL	62895	618/730
Rinard, IL	62878	618/730
Shields, IL	62851	618/730
Sims, IL	62886	618/730
Stratton, IL	62851	618/730
Wayne City, IL	62895	618/730

Major Cities and Towns in Wayne County, Illinois

1. Fairfield

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 3.43 square miles
• Population: Approximately 5,100 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 62837
• Latitude: 38.3786° N
• Longitude: 88.3628° W

Location and History

Fairfield is the county seat of Wayne County, located in southeastern Illinois. It was founded in 1819 and has grown into a small but vital city in the region. Fairfield’s history is deeply rooted in agriculture, and the city serves as a hub for local farming communities, specializing in crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat. In the 19th century, the town expanded with the arrival of the railroad, becoming a trading center for the region. In the early 20th century, oil was discovered nearby, briefly creating an economic boom. Although the oil industry has since waned, Fairfield remains a community with a strong agricultural base and a growing service sector.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Fairfield is served by Fairfield Community High School and North Side and Center Street Elementary Schools, which make up Fairfield Public School District 112. Frontier Community College, part of the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, also provides higher education opportunities for residents. Landmarks include the Hanna House Museum, a restored 19th-century home that offers insights into Fairfield’s history, and Leo French Park, a popular destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The Fairfield Public Library, located downtown, serves as a cultural hub, hosting community events and offering historical archives.

2. Wayne City

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.72 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,000 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 62895
• Latitude: 38.3359° N
• Longitude: 88.5928° W

Location and History

Wayne City is a small village located in the western part of Wayne County, approximately 10 miles west of Fairfield. Founded in the mid-19th century, Wayne City developed primarily as a farming community, with its economy centered around agriculture, especially corn and soybeans. The town has remained small but tight-knit, with residents taking pride in their agricultural heritage. Over the years, Wayne City has retained its rural charm and slower pace of life, making it an attractive place for those looking for a quiet, close-knit community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Wayne City is served by the Wayne City Unit School District 100, with Wayne City High School as its primary educational institution. Landmarks in the area include the Wayne City Veterans Memorial, a tribute to the town’s servicemen and women, and the Wayne City Park, where local residents gather for events, sports, and outdoor activities. Wayne City also hosts the annual Bean Days Festival, a celebration of the town’s agricultural roots, featuring a parade, entertainment, and local food vendors. The surrounding countryside provides scenic views of Illinois farmland and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

3. Cisne

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.41 square miles
• Population: Approximately 650 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 62823
• Latitude: 38.5156° N
• Longitude: 88.4345° W

Location and History

Cisne is a small village located in the northwestern part of Wayne County. Founded in 1870 when the railroad extended into the area, Cisne grew as a farming and railroad town, named after Levi Cisne, an early settler and prominent landowner. Like much of Wayne County, Cisne’s economy has long been tied to agriculture, with farms in the area producing corn, wheat, and soybeans. Despite its small size, Cisne has maintained its role as a rural service center for the surrounding farming communities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Cisne Community High School is the primary educational institution in the village, serving students from Cisne and the surrounding rural area. The town’s landmarks include Cisne Village Park, which hosts local events and offers recreational facilities such as picnic areas and playgrounds. Cisne also has a small historical museum that preserves artifacts and documents related to the town’s railroad history. The annual Fall Festival in Cisne brings together residents for a celebration featuring a parade, live music, and various family-friendly activities. The quiet village offers a glimpse into small-town life in rural Illinois.

4. Mount Erie

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.27 square miles
• Population: Approximately 88 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 62446
• Latitude: 38.5197° N
• Longitude: 88.2439° W

Location and History

Mount Erie is one of the smallest communities in Wayne County, located in the northeastern part of the county. Founded in the late 19th century, the village grew around agriculture and remains a farming community to this day. Historically, the area was known for small-scale farming, and Mount Erie was a center for local trade. Over the years, the village has maintained its rural character, with much of its economy still focused on farming and related industries. Its population has remained small, but it retains a strong sense of community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Mount Erie students attend schools in nearby towns, such as Fairfield or Cisne, as the village does not have its own school district. The Mount Erie Community Park is a key gathering spot, offering picnic areas and playgrounds for local families. Mount Erie Church, one of the village’s oldest buildings, serves as a hub for religious and social activities. The surrounding farmland and rural landscape provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing, contributing to the area’s appeal for those seeking a quiet, pastoral environment.

5. Jeffersonville (Junction)

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.22 square miles
• Population: Approximately 50 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 62899
• Latitude: 38.2345° N
• Longitude: 88.5647° W

Location and History

Jeffersonville, commonly known as Junction, is located in the southern part of Wayne County, near the intersection of several rural highways. The village was established in the late 19th century and was originally a railroad stop, which gave rise to its nickname, Junction. As with many small communities in Wayne County, agriculture has played a significant role in the village’s development, with farming being the primary occupation for residents. Although small in population, Junction holds an important place in the county’s rural economy and history.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Due to its small size, students from Jeffersonville (Junction) attend schools in neighboring communities, such as Wayne City or Fairfield. One of the main landmarks in the village is the Junction General Store, which has served as a meeting point for locals and travelers passing through the area for generations. The surrounding countryside offers vast expanses of farmland, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hunting and nature walks. Although the village is small, its location along key transportation routes has historically made it a crossroads for regional commerce and agricultural trade.